Autumn 2016
CELEBRATING STAFF ENGAGEMENT AT THE MELBOURNE ZOO
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Page 13
EPWORTH RICHMOND
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OPENS THE LEE WING
Page 6
RAPID RESPONSE NEUROSCIENCES
UNIT LAUNCHED
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Page 9
STELLAR TEAM MAKES UP EPWORTH GEELONG
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Page 12
MEET OUR NURSE AND MIDWIFE GRADUATES OF THE YEAR
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Page 20
Message from the
Group Chief Executive
Alan R Kinkade
Epwords is a publication
for Epworth staff
All contributions and ideas are
welcomed and considered.
Contact details
Epworth HealthCare
89 Bridge Road
Richmond 3121
Mail Box 12B
Telephone (03) 9426 6441
Facsimile (03) 9426 6478
Editor
Lani Thorpe
[email protected]
Thank you
Thanks to the contributors of stories,
photos and ideas for this issue of
Epwords. Without them this edition
would not have been possible.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in Epwords are
not necessarily those of the editors.
Reproduction in whole or in part is not
permitted without prior consent from
the editor. The editor reserves the right
to edit or condense a contribution
in order for it to fit inside the limited
space of the newsletter.
Welcome to the first Epwords of the
new year, as we bid farewell to summer
and head into cooler months that will
bring many significant developments for
Epworth. Since the last issue in December,
we enjoyed a lovely Christmas break but
January saw us continue full steam ahead
in preparation for the opening of the new
Lee Wing at Epworth Richmond.
On 1 February, we commissioned the first
phase of the wing. The new emergency
department, expanded ICU, cardiac unit
and coronary care unit, and six new theatres are now operational. Staff, doctors and
patients have all expressed extremely positive feedback and praise for the new spaces,
and I am exceptionally proud of all the hard work and dedication from all staff involved
in the development, commissioning and opening. We now ready ourselves for the
remaining floors to open shortly, on 4 April.
There have been a number of new service offerings across Epworth, enhancing our level
of patient care. Epworth Eastern launched a new neurosciences unit; the new aged
psychiatry service has commenced at Epworth Clinic; a new pet therapy program is
running for mental health and rehabilitation patients at Epworth Camberwell; and we
have just launched a new concussion clinic at Epworth Hawthorn.
We recently welcomed to Epworth Professor Miles Prince, who joins us as Professor/
Director of Molecular Oncology and Cancer Immunology. Miles will be based at our
Epworth Freemasons Clarendon Street site and will provide research, clinical and
teaching leadership in this new area of our Cancer Services Clinical Institute.
In addition to leasing new consulting space at Clarendon Street to house Miles and our
other new tenants, Epworth Freemasons has recently celebrated the completion of its
level three upgrade project, enjoying new theatres, day of surgery admissions (DOSA),
male and female change rooms and a significant amount of service improvements.
Epworth Eastern opened a new theatre in March and is on target for a May handover of
its new day oncology unit.
July will be a big month with Epworth Geelong opening to the public and South West
Regional Cancer Centre (SWRCC) at Warrnambool following shortly thereafter. Both
projects are making great progress; the SWRCC car park is now open, and on 15 April we
receive handover of Epworth Geelong.
A few congratulations are in order: in January, three Epworth associates received
honours in the Australia Day Awards — Professor Mari Botti, Professor Mark Frydenberg
and Mr John Cunningham. Also in January, Epworth HealthCheck’s Bridie O’Donnell
broke the women’s cycling world hour distance record. And lastly, a big congrats to our
nursing graduates and leadership program graduates. Well done to all on their success.
I’d like to conclude this message highlighting the outstanding results of our Staff
Engagement Survey, conducted late last year. An incredible number of staff completed
the survey, and I’m thrilled to report that 73 per cent of respondents feel that Epworth is a
truly great place to work, and 75 per cent say they would recommend Epworth to friends
and family as the best choice of healthcare. Thank you for your valuable feedback.
Alan R Kinkade
Group Chief Executive
2
TRENDING OF THE
ENGAGEMENT CYCLES
16.1%
9.8%
39.6%
11.7%
38.4%
7.6%
33.1%
43.0%
OUR REPUTATION
The top 3 Attraction Factors to work in
Epworth, as themed by BPA, are:
• Reputation
• Opportunities
59.3%
40.9%
Feb 2009
50.6%
49.9%
Nov 2010
Nov 2013
• Education
Oct 2015
Epworth staff speak up in engagement survey
In November 2015 Epworth staff were invited to have their
say in the Staff Engagement Survey. An incredible 76% of staff
responded and provided feedback, which was overwhelmingly
positive.
higher than the industry norm at 44%.
• 73% of respondents say that, on balance, Epworth is a ‘truly great place to work’.
Enabling our staff to be their best and give their best sits at the
heart of our strategy. Providing a positive workplace culture
and a safe work environment is fundamental to our vision
of consistently delivering excellent patient-centred care with
compassion and dignity.
• 75% of respondents say that they would recommend Epworth to their family and friends as the best choice if they required the healthcare we provide.
We are grateful to our staff for their ongoing dedication and
commitment to our patients and team members. They make a
difference in people’s lives every day.
As an organisation we are sitting in a high-end culture of
ambition bordering on success, which is an exceptional result.
This means that 59.3% of staff are engaged and this benchmarks
In recognition and to thank staff, Group Chief Executive Alan
Kinkade invited staff and their families to celebrate at an event at
the Melbourne Zoo on 19 March. See photos on page 13.
Australia Day 2016 honours list
Epworth HealthCare is proud to be
associated with three distinguished
Australians who received an Honour in
the Australia Day Awards, announced in
late January.
Epworth Deakin Chair of Nursing
Professor Mari Botti received an AM
(Member in the General Division of the
Order of Australia) for her significant
service to nursing and to medical
education, as an academic and author,
as well as for her contribution and
leadership in pain management research.
Epworth urology specialist and
Chair of the Department of Urology,
Monash Medical Centre, Professor
Mark Frydenberg received an AM
(Member in the General Division
of the Order of Australia) for his
significant service to medicine as
a clinician, educator and author
in the specialty of urology and to
professional medical organisations.
Epworth orthopaedic surgeon Mr John
Cunningham received an OAM (Medal
of the Order of Australia in the General
Division) for service to medicine, and to
the promotion of immunisation.
3
Urologists’ generous travelling show
Teaching student doctors often finds Epworth Freemasons
urologist David Webb at the University of Melbourne or Austin
Health, alongside colleague Yee Chan who performs laparoscopic
nephrology at the Austin and also treats many patients at
Epworth Freemasons.
Last year the two surgeons spent time performing live surgical
procedures at a workshop in Myanmar, where the medical
profession there faces a rising incidence of kidney disease, but
nowhere near the facilities or trained surgeons available to treat it.
The Second Myanmar Nephro-Urology Conference helped local
doctors and surgeons to benefit from the generosity of their
peers from Australia, the UK and Scotland. The program’s goal is
to restructure the current surgical training system in Myanmar
— where for example, there are only 16 urology specialists and
around 30 students in a population of approximately 50 million.
almost two decades ago, David and Fellows at the practice
instituted a pro bono service in Asia to share their expertise in
nephro-urological conditions.
Yee, who demonstrated a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy,
acknowledges that kidney transplants from compatible live
donors would be one way to decrease the death rate from kidney
disease, but this would require a great deal of education.
David performed the first keyhole surgery to remove kidney
stones from a patient at Royal Melbourne Hospital in the 1980s,
and performed the first mini-perc stone removal on a six-month
old baby in 1990 at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The second
edition of David’s clinical handbook, Percutaneous Renal Surgery,
has just been published by Springer.
“There aren’t nearly enough urology surgeons in Myanmar to
cope with the burgeoning problems of kidney stones or kidney
disease. Dialysis is rare to non-existent, lithotripsy does not exist
and unfortunately kidney stones or kidney disease is usually
diagnosed late, so there is a long transplant list,” says David.
This was David’s sixth pro bono trip to Asia (including Vietnam
and Sri Lanka) and his second to Myanmar with a focus on
training local urologists in the removal of painful kidney stones.
After the establishment of Urology Victoria at The Freemasons
A/Prof David Webb, Dr Yee Chan and associates at the conference
Chair appointed to new cancer department
the latest innovation in cancer treatment
— individualised mapping of cancer
cells to create targeted treatments — to
Epworth patients.
“Our vision is that patients will be able to
walk through the door here at Epworth to
have their tumour barcoded, to give them
the ultimate cancer diagnosis. The diagnosis
they deserve in 2016,” Prof Prince says.
Professor Miles Prince
Epworth is delighted to announce the
appointment of Professor Miles Prince as
Professor/Director of Molecular Oncology
and Cancer Immunology.
Professor Prince’s five-year appointment
launches a new area within the
cancer services clinical institute and
represents an important and innovative
development in cancer care and
personalised medicine at Epworth.
The new position, based at Epworth
Freemasons, will allow Epworth to bring
4
“Epworth’s appointment of a chair
focusing on this new personalised
approach to cancer allows us to translate
the latest in science and technology into
Epworth’s patient-centred clinical setting,”
says Stephen Vaughan, Chairman,
Epworth Cancer Clinical Institute.
“We’re not going to forget about patients
and concentrate on the molecular biology
of their tumour. We are going to treat
them holistically.”
In 2014, Prof Prince was awarded
Membership of the Order of Australia
(General Division) for significant services
to blood cancer research, patient care and
philanthropy leadership. His new role
at Epworth will be held in conjunction
with the School of Medicine, University of
Melbourne and in partnership with the
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Professor Prince holds major Australian,
American and European research grants
and has published more than 350 journal
articles. His clinical research in the last
15 years has involved the development
of new targeted treatments for blood
cancers including monoclonal antibodies,
cell-based therapy, gene therapy and new
epigenetic agents.
Epworth Freemasons’ Grey St Centre
recently entered town planning phase. The
proposed ten-storey complex will house
four additional theatres and procedure
rooms, additional private rooms, a new day
oncology unit adjacent to the oncology ward,
new education and training facilities and
multiple levels of consulting suites.
For more information on the project’s
progress see page 18.
Reception desk
artwork wall
A dedicated care
space just for kids
Being able to care for our youngest patients in a dedicated, tailored
environment will shortly be a reality as Epworth Richmond opens
its brand-new paediatric ward in the Thomas Wing on 4 April.
Epworth currently treats paediatric patients — those between the
ages of 12 months and 16 years — across several of our sites for
elective surgery including orthopaedics; ear, nose and throat (ENT);
maxillofacial and dental surgeries. As well, Epworth Richmond
provides care to children and adolescents through the onsite
allergy clinic.
scale 1:5
Pattern profile cut and painted. Colours to
match vinyl in other graphics
(the returns blend in with white back ground)
Tests on site need to be done before proceeding
In the near future, Epworth Richmond will also have a dedicated
emergency department for children and adolescents.
The design was also completed with consideration of the needs
of parents and other family members, through the provision of
kitchen and sleeping facilities. These facilities are particularly
helpful for longer patient stays. Ensuring a safe environment was
another important consideration, and as such, the unit is secured
with swipe access only.
Having a new paediatric ward means that children and adolescents
will get their own space. Leading the development of the ward is
Meredith Elliott, newly appointed paediatric nurse unit manager,
who is thrilled to be involved with the project.
“In designing and selecting the equipment for the unit, we have
made use of a range of best practice guidelines,” says Meredith. As
for medical equipment, starting from the ground up means brandnew facilities and technology to match.
“It’s exciting but it’s challenging,” says Meredith. “Being able to
design a new ward and create something really special for our
younger patients is a fantastic process to be part of.”
“The equipment we’re going to have is going to be quite impressive
and state of the art, for which there’s been a huge amount of
support from the Epworth Medical Foundation. We are so grateful
for this support, which has allowed us to create such a wonderful
space for our paediatric patients.”
Paediatric Unit
Meredith, who’s been with Epworth since she completed her grad
year in 2003, has been involved with the project team since last
September, “working with marketing, assisting the architects with
infrastructure, and overseeing recruitment”, she says.
A huge amount of planning and careful consideration has gone
into opening the space, keeping in mind the particular needs of a
younger patient base.
“In designing the unit we needed to create an environment that
caters for younger children as well as adolescents,” explains
Meredith. In addition to bright colours and creative decor, the new
space will offer fun distractions including a playroom, Xbox, and
other children-friendly activities.
client: Epworth Health
file name: paediatric unit option 1
job number: EHR0055
designer: JVD
date: 25.02.16
scale: as
emerystudio
Reproduction of the whole or part of this document constitutes an infringement of copyright. This information, ideas and concepts contained in this document are confidential.
The recipient(s) of this document is prohibited from disclosing such information, ideas and concepts to any person without the prior written consent of emerystudio.
The ward will open with ten beds initially, and a further nine
beds will follow soon after. As for the team that will staff the
ward, Meredith says she’s excited by the quality team that has
been recruited and looks forward to working with them to create
a positive culture — something of particular importance when
dealing with young patients.
“We have had great interest from experienced and skilled
paediatric nursing and medical personnel to our recruitment,” says
Meredith. “People have been telling me it’s the most talked about
thing in Melbourne.”
Epworth Clinical School opens its doors to first group of students
February saw the arrival of the first cohort of 16 second-year
medicine students from the University of Melbourne, who
are commencing their clinical studies in the newly created
Epworth Clinical School.
experience as the first medical graduates from the Epworth
Clinical School.
These students are the first to call Epworth home and they will
see out all of their clinical years (years two, three and four) as
Epworth HealthCare students.
Their program starts with a series of 48 lectures delivered
by Epworth staff as their foundation term and they will then
spend the rest of this year rotating through medicine, surgery,
anaesthetics and ambulatory (emergency department and
rehabilitation) terms.
Their third year (MD3) comprises general practice, obstetrics and
gynaecology, psychiatry, paediatrics and rural rotations before
they commence their final year of medical studies in 2018. We
welcome them to Epworth and wish them a richly rewarding
Professor Geoffrey Metz and students of the Epworth Clinical School
5
Epworth Richmond opens the Lee Wing!
After many years in the making, Epworth Richmond celebrated the
biggest milestone in the hospital’s redevelopment with the opening
of the new Lee Wing, designed to expand treatment spaces and
bring critical care departments within easy reach of each other.
The emergency department and 6ES cardiac unit moved to their
new Lee Wing locations on 1 February, with Lee Wing theatres
commencing the first cases from 8am. ICU followed on Tuesday 2
February.
It involved a mammoth effort by everyone involved with just
two weeks to ensure the hospital was ready for opening
after receiving handover of the Lee Wing from builder KANE
Constructions on 19 January.
The commissioning team, staff from departments moving and
many more people from all corners of Epworth Richmond and
corporate spent time cleaning, stocking areas, training staff
and practising operational processes to prepare for patients to
be moved into the new areas.
Move day was branded a success and both patients and staff
had great things to say about the new spaces. In particular, the
new Point of Care system in the Lee Wing and the larger spaces
in the emergency department and ICU were a positive topic of
discussion.
Feedback since the move has been overwhelmingly positive with
staff, patients and doctors enjoying the fantastic new spaces.
“The ongoing support, commitment and enthusiasm of Epworth
Richmond staff as well as many others from corporate services
and across Epworth has been pivotal to the successful delivery of
the Lee Wing,” says Epworth Executive Director Nicole Waldron.
Stage two of the opening will see three new inpatient units
housing neurosciences and orthopaedics opening on the upper
floors on 4 April. The official opening event of the Lee Wing will
be held on 18 April and attended by guest of honour Sussan Ley,
Federal Minister for Health.
See photos from the opening, below and right.
Pinnacle Surgery’s Dr Ajay Chauhan, Dr Ben Dixon, Dr Amanda Richards and Dr Matthew Magarey
6
VIDEO
SNAP 
SHOTS
See staff and patient reactions and responses to the move
as it happened in the Lee Wing Opening Video, on our
corporate site and the Epworth YouTube channel.
Dream team behind
the scenes
What does it take to open a brandnew wing in an already busy,
operational hospital? An incredible
team effort.
Ensuring a smooth transition from
newly built, empty spaces to fully
functional patient-ready services
required months of planning and
preparation, lead by the Lee Wing
transition steering committee.
For more than six months the
commissioning team worked behind
the scenes to develop a clinical move
plan, compile orientation resources and
coordinate staff and services moving
into or supplying the new space.
Led by Maree Pane, Cinical Operations
Manager, operational transitioning,
the team united staff from multiple
departments across Epworth to plan
for this massive project.
“One of the highlights over these past
few months has been developing
relationships with staff across the
organisation that have played a
pivotal role in the success of the
project,” says Maree.
“Personally, it has been a pleasure to
watch a group of staff from different
departments such as procurement,
environmental services, clinical
services, OH&S, marketing and
communications come together and
work collaboratively to achieve this
great result. We still managed to have
a laugh and enjoy ourselves along the
way,” she says.
Stanford University
“When move day finally arrived on 1
February it almost felt surreal that the
day was finally here.
“It was a long day, but I remember
thinking at the end of the day, after
all the patients had been transitioned
into their new wards, a sense of relief
that it all went according to plan, as
well as a sense of accomplishment
that we had successfully
commissioned the building in two
weeks without a hitch!
The Epworth Richmond Lee Wing commissioning team
“At that moment I felt a sense of pride
in what we had accomplished and
also felt privileged to be involved in a
project of this magnitude.”
7
Major donor Audrey Voss visits the emergency department
One of Epworth’s most generous
benefactors, Audrey Voss, toured the new
emergency department on 18 January
during an official donor visit.
generosity of this wonderful couple. It was
opened to the public on 1 February with 35
treatment bays, two isolation rooms and
an undercover ambulance bay.
The new department is named the
Matthew and Audrey Voss Emergency
Department in recognition of the amazing
In previous years, Audrey and her late
husband both required care in our
emergency department. Their support is
deeply appreciated and will help ensure all
of our patients receive the very best care
possible.
Matthew emigrated from the Netherlands
in 1949 and Audrey moved from Casterton
to Melbourne to seek new opportunities.
Audrey and Matthew met in 1949 and
married in 1958. Matthew worked as a
master baker at the Modern Bakery in
St Kilda and Audrey worked in retail at
Georges and then as the executive buyer
for Young Colony Children’s Wear.
Epworth’s Director of Emergency Medicine,
Dr Ron Sultana says, “We are very excited
to have opened the new department
and know that we will be providing a far
greater facility to our community thanks
to the generosity of benefactors Matthew
and Audrey Voss.”
Audrey was joined at the tour by Group
Chief Executive Alan Kinkade, Executive
Director of Epworth Richmond Nicole
Waldron, Dr Ron Sultana and Executive
Director of the Epworth Medical
Foundation Scott Bulger.
Epworth Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade shows benefactor Audrey
Voss around the new emergency department
Point of Care rollout reaches the new Lee Wing
With the opening of the Epworth Richmond Lee Wing on 1
February 2016, 2 Lee Wing became the first department at
Epworth Richmond to enjoy the benefits of the Point of Care
system.
Lee Wing patients can now use Point of Care to access TV,
radio and audio books together with internet access, hospital
information and patient education information. Patients have
enjoyed having access to the new system, with initial feedback
such as, “It’s wonderful to have all these entertainment options
available”, and “I like the audio books and listening to the radio, it
really helps pass the time”.
Staff from 2 Lee Wing have commenced using Point of Care
to record hourly rounding and leader rounding. They are also
enjoying quick and easy access to patient results at the bedside.
Elizabeth Lovell, Registered Nurse 2 Lee Wing, says, “I have never
worked in a hospital with this kind of system before and it is great
to be able to access results at the bedside. You walk into a room
and have everything available. It’s also for the patients too, and
they love it!”
While 2 Lee Wing staff have had many changes to deal with
during the move they have reported that they find the system
easy to use and especially like the time it saves them as they no
longer have to log in to a PC to access results or update a diet
code.
8
Further implementation of the Point of Care system will take
place at Epworth Richmond when the Lee Wing remaining levels
open on 4 April.
The Point of Care project team is also working with environmental
services on a pilot of the Room Ready functions at Epworth
Richmond.
While staff and patients at Epworth Eastern have benefited from
the Point of Care System for some time now, a recent software
upgrade has provided a number of new features. Epworth
Eastern continues to work closely with the project team in the
development and testing of further enhancements, such as an
effective discharge management module, expected with the
next software upgrade scheduled for late March.
Over the coming months, the project team will be working on
installing Point of Care terminals in other locations at Epworth
Richmond, Epworth Freemasons, Epworth Cliveden, Epworth
Camberwell, Epworth Hawthorn and Epworth Brighton. Our
new hospital at Epworth Geelong will also open with Point Of
Care in July.
Once the terminals have been installed the project team will work
with each department to provide training and support for the
go-live of the patient entertainment functions together with the
clinical and non-clinical modules.
To find out more, visit the Point of Care intranet page.
Beth’s Singapore sojourn through scholarship
Beth Tippet, Associate Nurse Unit Manager at Epworth Richmond’s cath lab, has recently returned from Singapore where she attended
the Asia PCR conference, identified as one of the premier cardiovascular conferences worldwide. This opportunity was made possible
through funding from the Epworth Medical Foundation via Abbot Australasia. Beth shares her scholarship experience with us.
cardiovascular conference in Singapore comprising live debates,
case reviews, presentations and the latest information in best
practice for cardiovascular procedures and care of patients.
What did you find most valuable in attending the conference?
The most valuable thing in attending the conference was the
opportunity to meet and interact with other nurses, medical staff
and product representatives from all over the globe, including
discussing cardiovascular topics with incredibly experienced
cardiologists.
What was the best part of your trip?
Watching live cardiovascular procedures being performed on
patients from other hospitals around the world. I loved being part
of the live discussions with the other delegates in the arena about
similar experiences they have had and how they think the patient
should best be treated. Singapore itself is a remarkable place: clean,
organised and friendly. The food in Singapore is also delicious!
Beth at the Asia PCR conference in Singapore
What motivated you to apply for a scholarship?
My passion about cardiovascular care motivated me to apply
for the scholarship. The scholarship program appeared to be a
fantastic opportunity to gain insight, knowledge and up-to-date
information on a range of cardiac procedures. This would in turn
be of great benefit not only to myself and my colleagues, but most
importantly to optimise patient care at Epworth.
How have you used your scholarship funding?
I used the scholarship funding to cover the cost of registration,
flights and accommodation to attend Asia PCR — a three-day
What’s next?
Since returning from the conference, I plan to present my
colleagues with all the valuable information I received on topics
discussed at Asia PCR. This will give me the opportunity to share
my experience and knowledge gained from the conference and
consequently empower them to provide best practice to our
patients at Epworth.
What is your advice to other staff considering applying for a
scholarship?
My advice is to definitely submit an application! Applying is
such a simple process. It is not only a fantastic personal and
professional achievement, but most importantly a great chance
to be part of the development of better patient care at Epworth.
Epworth Eastern launches rapid response neurosciences unit
Epworth Eastern’s neurosciences unit is
now open, providing early intervention,
diagnosis and treatment for patients who
present to their GPs with a suspected
transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
the symptoms will often disappear or
lessen. TIA is a high-risk warning sign for
stroke within 90 days, with the highest
risk (reported to be up to 50 per cent)
occurring in the first two days.
Epworth Eastern launched the unit in
February, welcoming GPs to an expert
panel discussion on TIA with Unit Director
Dr Amanda Gilligan. Epworth is the first
private hospital to begin a partnership
with the Eastern Primary Health Network
to provide GPs and specialists with access
to a TIA rapid response service.
It can be difficult for patients
experiencing TIA symptoms to access
rapid specialist treatment. Epworth’s new
unit, based at Epworth Eastern’s private
ward at Box Hill Hospital, offers private
hospital admission over the phone within
hours of symptoms first appearing.
The unit also provides a plan for rapid
assessment — avoiding a potential
emergency department stay.
TIA is a temporary blockage of blood
to the brain, with symptoms often
mimicking a stroke. Unlike stroke, however,
With a neurologist on call 24 hours a
day, the new unit provides potentially
lifesaving intervention before a stroke
occurs. Unit staff also provide extensive
patient follow ups, at three, six and 12
months as recommended by best care
guidelines as well as a follow-up phone
call one week post discharge.
The unit is supported by a
multidisciplinary team made up of
neurologists, medical staff, specialist
acute neurosciences clinical nurses and
a dedicated allied health team with
rapid access to radiology including
MRI, pathology, cardiac investigations,
vascular surgeons and cardiologists, as
required.
9
Holmium laser offers
improved treatment for
prostate patients
Patients suffering from enlarged prostates now have access
to an advanced new treatment option available at Epworth
Freemasons.
The new Lumenis Pulse 120H holmium laser allows a minimally
invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), called
HoLEP — holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.
Epworth Freemasons was the first private hospital in Australia to
purchase the holmium laser and is now one of only two hospitals
in Victoria to offer this technology.
Urological surgeon Mr Conrad Bishop used a holmium laser
while practicing at Guy’s Hospital in London, England, and now
expects to treat around five to six cases per month at Epworth
Freemasons. Conrad says patients with super-enlarged prostates
benefit most from this treatment.
“Patients with prostates weighing more than 100g would
previously have required open surgery, which is a much more
invasive treatment and requires a longer hospital stay and
increased recovery period.
“Using the laser, recovery is drastically reduced. I just operated on
a man with a 200g prostate and he was discharged the next day
with minimal pain.”
During the HoLEP procedure, the laser is used to enucleate
(remove without cutting into) the abnormal prostate gland
tissue, which is then pushed into the bladder and ground up and
removed using a morcellation device.
HoLEP results in reduced bleeding and a lower complication rate
Mr Conrad Bishop
than open surgery and lasts for about ten years before repeated
treatment may be required, as the prostate tissue will grow back
eventually.
Though an enlarged prostate does not necessarily lead to cancer,
aside from the irritation of urination difficulties, it can present with
complications including kidney and bladder infection from not being
able to empty the bladder, and secondary complications that can be
serious, such as bleeding from the kidneys and kidney failure.
“Eighty years ago this would have been something from which
patients would commonly die, from secondary complications,”
says Conrad.
Now, he says, treatment options are excellent and the laser
is providing relief for BHP patients that is safe and minimally
disruptive.
The new laser is also extremely efficient in removing large kidney
and bladder stones, even those “the size of golf balls”, says Conrad.
The high power settings allow for ‘stone dusting’, in which large
stones can be disintegrated rapidly without fracturing.
Epworth Freemasons selected for national blood trial
Epworth Freemasons has been selected to participate in a new trial that could lead to the prevention of
blood and blood product wastage.
While larger
health facilities
tend to have
onsite blood laboratories, delivering blood
from the point of ordering to the point of
use with minimal delay, smaller hospitals
using blood fridges currently have no way
of tracking how long blood has been out of
the fridge, which can lead to wastage.
The National Blood Authority (NBA) is
partnering with a company that has
developed a new technology using RFID
(radio-frequency identification) that will
be used in the trial to track blood usage.
Epworth Freemasons is one of three sites
across Australia participating in the
three-month trial, in conjunction with
10
Melbourne Pathology.
The purpose of the trial is to:
• reduce wastage
• introduce an electronic sign in/out register
• improve visibility of blood in the system
• validate use of the technology for consideration nationally
• improve workflows.
From February and running through
April, monitoring equipment has been
installed by NBA on the blood fridges at
the Clarendon Street and Victoria Parade
locations. This technology includes a
pad reader with touch-sensitive display
that shows patients and blood bag
information and an RFID swipe reader
that reads staff ID and RFID-tagged
blood bags.
At the conclusion of the trial a
decision will be made as to whether
this technology will be suitable for
consideration for a national rollout.
Epworth Cliveden Director of Clinical
Services and Chair of the Group Transfusion
Committee Fran Kelly says it’s an exciting
opportunity for Epworth.
“This is a way that NBA can tighten up
the process and improve the blood supply
system. If the technology is picked up, the
implications for the rest of Australia will
be significant.”
Patient Judith Moore
Heartbeat helps cardiac
patients with generous support
Heartbeat Epworth has provided fantastic support to cardiac patients since 1984. This
support group for cardiac patients was expanded in July 2015 to include Epworth
Eastern, under the name Heartbeat Epworth Eastern. It was formed by and continues to
be supported by ex-cardiac patients who felt that they owed a debt of gratitude to the
staff and the hospital who gave them a second chance at life.
Heartbeat consists of members who can provide information, support and reassurance
to patients and families in an effort to alleviate the doubts and fears that they have
before and after treatment. Members are particularly aware of these needs and are
available if patients and their families wish to talk to them. Encouragement and
reassurance from former patients and their relatives can help enormously.
Another important aspect of Heartbeat is fundraising for specific projects and the
purchase of equipment used in the cardiac unit and HeartSmart program. Epworth,
being a not-for-profit hospital, does not receive any government assistance and patient
fees cover only the daily costs and routine capital expenses. All equipment purchased is
aimed at ensuring the best available care and improving patient comfort. The Epworth
Medical Foundation also provides valuable support to Heartbeat and match dollar-fordollar any money raised.
Heartbeat Epworth Eastern, with the Epworth Medical Foundation, raised enough funds
to purchase two pieces of equipment in October last year for our cardiac unit, 2 North.
A Welch Allyn Connex vital signs monitor — cost: $4100
This monitor is an advanced, touch-screen monitor with improved workflow and
training; it measures pulse oximetry, blood pressure and temperature.
An Etac Turner, a patient turner with standing support — cost: $745
The Etac turner is a patient turner with handles that facilitates transferring patients
between seating positions.
Bill Preston and Dot Williams, Heartbeat volunteers, present the vital signs monitor to staff from 2 North
Changes over 30
years: a patient’s
perspective
For more than 30 years, Judith Moore
has trusted Epworth to provide
her with the best possible care for
everything from lung and heart
complications to a hip replacement
and rehabilitation. In this time she
has seen the many changes Epworth
Richmond has gone through.
She also happens to be one of the first
patients to experience the new Lee
Wing, after being admitted to the new
emergency department on opening day,
1 February and transferred to the 2 Lee
Wing cardiac unit.
One of the first differences Judith noticed
was a direct transfer in a patient-only lift.
“It was nice not having to travel down
long corridors with lots of other staff and
visitors walking by.”
The most notable change, says Judith, is
the new ward itself, which she found to
be spacious, comfortable and quiet.
The private room is lovely, says Judith,
but adds that the company of others
in a shared room can be a bonus when
confined to a hospital bed. In fact, she
recalls a time at Epworth Richmond
when she shared a room with another
patient who initially was unhappy to
have a roommate.
But after regular chats during their time
together, the two grew close and still
keep in contact to this day. “She needed a
grandmother figure to get her through a
tough time, and I enjoyed the company,”
explains Judith. “I have been very lucky
in my experiences as an inpatient at
Epworth Richmond.”
Judith speaks warmly of Epworth staff
and says she has always received the best
care and believes the new space will only
enhance this.
11
Epworth Geelong
builds a passionate
team of healthcare
professionals
The Epworth Geelong team has grown significantly over the last
few months and the temporary Epworth Geelong office on Ryrie
Street is now bursting at the seams, with most of the leadership
positions having now been appointed.
It is clear to see the formation of an incredible and passionate
group of people who share the same goals for the new site.
“I have an amazing opportunity to work
with a team of enthusiastic people who
share a vision to create an outstanding
healthcare facility of choice for everyone
and make a positive change for the
community of Geelong.” Trent Batchelor,
Perioperative Services Manager.
“I feel very privileged to
Trent Batchelor
work at Epworth Geelong
in such an amazing
facility and with such an excellent team.
I have no hesitation in saying Epworth
Geelong will be the private hospital
of choice in the region in the years to
come!”
Susie Thomas, Business Development
and Marketing Manager.
“I hope to build a highly functioning
team that delivers patient care in a
professional and safe manner that
ensures patients, families and medical
specialists of Epworth Geelong have the
best experience possible.” Sally Morison,
Associate Director of Clinical Services.
The entire team is eager to take over
the reins from the builder and get stuck
Susie Thomas
into preparations for opening in the first
week of July 2016. There is a mammoth
task that lies ahead of everyone involved
but the end result will be spectacular.
Positions continue to be advertised, with more than 7000
people having expressed interest in employment. If you know
anyone wanting to work at Epworth Geelong, make sure you
tell them to keep an eye on the Epworth Mercury Careers page,
epworthhealthcare.mercury.com.au
12
WHO’S WHO AT
EPWORTH GEELONG
Damian Armour
Chief Executive Officer
Samantha Laird
Executive Assistant
Paul Fenton
Director of Commissioning
Hannah Teasdale
Commissioning Project Manager
Leonie Lloyd
Director of Clinical Services
Sally Morison
Associate Director of Clinical Services
Susie Thomas
Business Development Manager
Steven Ball
Facilities Services Manager
Catherine Carracher
Allied Health Project Coordinator
Glenn Guest
Director of Surgery & Prof Surgery
Trent Batchelor
Perioperative Services Manager
Matthew Ryan
Director of Emergency
Mick Fuller
Senior HR Manager
Cate Morris
HR Business Partner
Cathy Portelli
Workforce talent manager
Kristi Hundt
Health and Safety Advisor
Alan Kurrle
Hospitality Services Manager
Emily Hill
Manager Medical Billing &
Practice Support
Zane Vail
IT Client Relationship Manager
Denise Gowty
NUM 4 East
Hilary Tigani
NUM 5 East
Kate Casey
NUM Cath Lab & Diagnostic Services
Margaret Underwood
NUM Day Oncology
Bronwyn Le Busque
NUM Day Surgery
Lisa Garner
NUM Emergency
Kate Vassallo
NUM Intensive Care
Sarah Hands
NUM PACU/Anaesthetics
Ingrid Stirling
NUM Renal Dialysis
Peter Wills
Patient Services Centre Manager
Celebrating staff engagement
results at the Melbourne Zoo
Epworth staff braved a chilly autumn day to have some family fun at the Melbourne Zoo on
Saturday 19 March. Hosted by the Board of Management, Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade
and the Group Executive team, staff enjoyed a fantastic evening of live music, zoo keeper talks
and kids’ entertainment, to celebrate the outstanding results from our recent staff engagement
survey. A great time was had by all. Thank you to all those who attended!
13
A passion for helping the heart
Cardiothoracic surgeon Mr Marco Larobina is passionate about
the work he does at Epworth Richmond, helping patients young
and old enjoy a better quality of life.
A self-proclaimed ‘Melbourne boy’, born, raised and trained in
the city, Marco has worked at Epworth Richmond for six years,
growing his services and developing new skills in the field of
cardiothoracic surgery.
Having learned the Ross Procedure from fellow Epworth
Richmond surgeon and mentor Mr Peter Skillington, Marco has
performed this unique specialised surgical technique for the
past five years with excellent results.
“It’s a fantastic idea where you take the valve from one part of
the heart — the pulmonary valve — and move it into the aortic
position, replacing the diseased aorta. You then replace the
pulmonary valve with a cadaver valve,” Marco explains.
Peter performed this procedure recently on a young Melbourne
man, whose story was covered by ABC News, and which has
allowed the patient an incredible new lease on life.
“The idea is to give a young patient a valve option that gives
them a durable outcome,” says Marco. “It gives them a long
time free of another operation, and means they avoid having
to take [anti-coagulant] Warfarin. Young women don’t like
Warfarin as it makes it hard for them to have children, young
blokes don’t like it if they’re active, and a lot of young people
just don’t like having to take tablets. So it’s a good alternative
to avoid the complications and inconvenience of Warfarin and
give a durable, long-term valve result.”
Despite the difficulty of dealing with a dual-diagnosis, the
prognosis for these patients is often very good, says Marco.
“The thing with heart surgery is often the patients who are not
particularly well bounce off the blocks and are so much better
after surgery and move on quite quickly, ready to face their
next treatment, if required,” Marco says.
“They’ll often come in and say, ‘well I don’t feel too bad, why do
“I really enjoy the follow-up process and
hearing about a patient’s progress. That’s
definitely the best part of this job”
I need to have this big operation?’ And I say, ‘just humour me,
why don’t we fix you and see’. Sure enough they all come back
saying how much better they feel.
“One patient came in today and said ‘I feel better than I have
for the last five years, literally five years — I didn’t realise how
much this was affecting my life’.
“It’s cool,” says Marco, “I really enjoy the follow-up process and
hearing about a patient’s progress. That’s definitely the best
part of this job.”
Marco also works with patients who suffer from a disease that
presents a significant challenge in terms of treatment.
“There is a group of people who have these really odd cancers,”
explains Marco. “The cancers secrete hormones into their blood
and the hormones affect the valves of the heart — which is
quite a weird concept.
“It’s called carcinoid heart disease and it’s incredibly
complicated because the patient has cancer and they have
heart disease. These hormones cause all sorts of trouble and
I lose a lot of sleep over those patients, as the cases are quite
complicated, but they’re also really interesting and challenging
to work with.”
New offices for
Epworth HealthCheck
Epworth HealthCheck has recently
moved from its city premises to be
collocated with Epworth Richmond at
Suite G4, 173 Lennox Street, Richmond.
This provides a great opportunity to
offer a full-day program to regional
14
Mr Marco Larobina
patients and time-poor professionals.
The inclusion of experienced dieticians
providing a one-hour consultation and
meal plan is also very exciting.
In keeping with HealthCheck’s
commitment to helping its patients
achieve and maintain good health, a
body composition analysis is now on
offer as part of the patient’s initial
appointment. The analysis provides
a snapshot of body fat, muscle mass,
visceral fat and a nutritional analysis,
which patients are able to access on an
ongoing basis to track their progress.
Comparing these results gives patients
the best opportunity to make the
necessary adjustments to diet and
exercise.
For more information about
HealthCheck phone 03 9426 8888.
HealthCheck’s Bridie puts pedal to the metal
It can be difficult taking health advice sometimes, but when
you’ve got a world record-holding cyclist telling you to shed a
few kilos, it’s probably best to listen.
Epworth HealthCheck’s Bridie O’Donnell achieved an incredible
feat when she took out the women’s cycling world hour
distance record on 22 January this year at the Super-Drome
in Adelaide. Bridie rode 46.882km in the hour, surpassing the
46.273km record that American Molly Shaffer Van Houweling
set last September.
Juggling professional cycling with work in ICU and orthopaedic
surgery for a number of years, Bridie raced three world
championships for Australia before deciding to head back home
in search of more solid employment, settling in Melbourne and
joining the Epworth HealthCheck team as a medical practitioner
in 2013.
It’s a role that not only allows Bridie flexibility in her schedule
so she can keep up with riding, but work that she finds
incredibly satisfying.
“What I love most is that it’s about primary healthcare —
preventing disease, educating patients, and trying to implement
behaviour change strategies,” Bridie explains.
Epworth HealthCheck provides a comprehensive assessment
service to patients on both their physical and psychological
wellbeing. It’s looked at as a preventative approach to patient
care, and as such education plays a major role.
“What we see more and more is it’s actually about health
literacy,” says Bridie. “A lot of people really don’t know what
kind of exercise they should do or how they should be eating or
what the best recommended strategies for trying to drink less
alcohol are.”
Bridie at the Adelaide Super-Drome. Photos by Tim Bardsley-Smith
That’s where the HealthCheck team comes in, giving “annoying
exercise and dietary advice”, jokes Bridie. But patients respond
well and Bridie says she’s seen many make encouraging changes
and reap the health benefits.
And it’s a service that’s appropriate for a diverse range of people.
“When I started working in the role, I was told the demographic
was executive men aged 45 and above, but in fact we see a huge
variety,” says Bridie.
“I see a lot of women that are high-functioning professionals;
some are mothers of young children with a lot of demand on
their time and they’re not prioritising their own physical health
and wellbeing, so it’s a good opportunity to remind them to move
their own health higher up the list.”
Bridie understands well the challenges of combining a healthy
work/life balance, but is a passionate advocate for maintaining
an active sporting life — particularly for women.
“So many women give up their sport and activity either when
they have children or when they start working a lot and that’s
a shame, because there are so many women that are great
athletes, they just feel like they can’t make the balance work,”
she says. On the plus side, “more and more are realising it’s
not actually about how many hours you have to train, it’s just
about consistency.”
Putting in the hours is something Bridie can’t avoid, however,
particularly when it comes to preparing to take on a world
record. She trained for around six months for the Adelaide event,
and says it was thanks to the support of a great team, the right
equipment, and a healthy dose of mindfulness that she was able
to achieve her dream.
“I was in a state of flow, or in the zone, the whole time. When I
got off the bike I didn’t feel tired, I felt amazing,” Bridie says. “I felt
elated and relieved — relieved that I’d implemented the plan and
training. It’s a real privilege to be able to break a world record.”
15
Epworth Geelong
South West Regional Cancer Centre car park
MAJOR PROJECTS AROUND
EPWORTH CAMPUSES
To uphold our reputation for excellence, we must ensure we are equipped to not only meet the needs of today but to anticipate the
needs of tomorrow. The major projects we invest in are paramount to this.
Epworth Richmond celebrates
the Lee Wing opening
The first stage of Epworth Richmond’s new Lee Wing opened
on 1 February 2016 to raving reviews from staff, patients and
doctors alike.
Staff and patients from the emergency department, intensive
care unit, cardiac and coronary care unit and theatres located on
the lower floors successfully transitioned into their new spaces.
Now, the hospital’s critical care departments are collocated within
the same building.
On 18 March 2016 Epworth Richmond received handover
of the complete building from KANE Constructions and the
neuroscience and orthopaedic inpatient units located on the
upper floors are set to open on Monday 4 April 2016.
Inside the Lee Wing, you will find:
LEVEL
LEE WING
7 Consulting suites
6 Orthopaedic inpatient unit — 35 private inpatient rooms
5 Orthopaedic inpatient unit — 37 private inpatient rooms
4 Neuroscience inpatient unit — 39 private inpatient rooms
16
3 Lee Wing theatres — six new theatres including one hybrid biplane
2 Cardiac inpatient unit — 29 private inpatient rooms and ten coronary care rooms
G Intensive care unit — 26 private inpatient rooms
LG Emergency department — 35 treatment spaces
B1-B5
250 car park spaces
The completion of the Lee Wing does not mark the end of the
Epworth Richmond redevelopment, with an announcement to be
made later this year on the next stage of works along Erin Street.
Read about the first stage of opening and check out some photos
on page 6.
Kitchen upgrade to future proof
catering capacity
Epworth Richmond’s kitchen and bistro is undergoing an
expansion to prepare for the room service model of patient meal
delivery to be introduced later in 2016. The upgrade and expansion
will also ensure the hospital is equipped to cater for the increasing
number of staff, visitors and patients, with the hospital to house
770 inpatients on completion of the redevelopment.
The bistro remains open to staff, patients and visitors throughout
the works.
REDEVELOPMENT NEWS
Artist’s impression of the Epworth Freemasons Grey Street Centre
Wayfinding updates at
Epworth Richmond
Changes continue to improve the staff, patient and visitor
experience when navigating through the hospital.
New wayfinding signage is being installed over the coming
months as new wing names are rolled out across the hospital.
Cato Wing and Danks Wing were introduced to the hospital
in February with the Erin Street building next to undergo a
renaming in two parts; Thomas Wing is now the new name of
the eastern side of the building with the other side to be renamed
Gray Wing later in April.
Digital wayfinding kiosks have been installed to five main entry
points of the hospital, initially providing directional support using
a two-dimensional map, with an upgrade to be launched in early
April to offer a three-dimensional map for users.
The three-storey car park located on the opposite corner of Ryot
Street and Worland Grove provides more than 100 parking spaces
and will now be used by South West Health, as well as patients of
the South West Regional Cancer Centre when it opens in July 2016.
Construction continues on the cancer centre with the next
milestone to be the installation of the region’s first linear
accelerator into the radiotherapy bunker on Friday 8 April 2016.
Stay tuned for photos in the next edition of Epwords.
The centre will provide integrated cancer care to the south
west community, with Epworth Radiation Oncology operating
radiotherapy, South West Oncology operating medical oncology,
consulting suites for oncologists and allied health professionals
and a support centre for patients and their families.
Pocket maps have been developed for staff and patients to help
find their way, and the concierge service has expanded to include
the new emergency department entrance at 34 Erin Street which
has proven a great success.
Paediatrics unit
Part one of refurbishment works to 2 Thomas Wing (formerly
2ES) are now complete to make way for the opening of the new
paediatric unit at Epworth Richmond, initially opening as a tenbed unit. Part two of the refurbishment works will follow in April
to expand the unit to 19 beds.
Read more about plans for the new paediatric unit on page 5.
South West Regional Cancer Centre
car park opens
Construction Engineering handed over the car park of the South
West Regional Cancer Centre in late February 2016.
The new theatre 10 at Epworth Eastern
New theatre and day oncology at
Epworth Eastern
The newly built theatre 10 at Epworth Eastern received glowing
reviews from the Department of Health on its final inspection and
the new theatre opened for its first surgery on 15 March 2016.
Construction of the day oncology unit expansion on level 4
continues and is on track to open in May which will bring the
hospital’s total day oncology capacity to 18 chairs.
17
REDEVELOPMENT NEWS
New Epworth Freemasons
medical consulting suites open
Epworth Freemasons Grey Street
Centre goes to town planning
Epworth Freemasons has taken the lease on approximately 300m2
of premium consulting space at 150 Clarendon Street, directly
across the road from the Fitzroy Gardens and adjacent to the
hospital.
A town planning application has been submitted to the City of
Melbourne for a multi-storey complex to be built behind Epworth
Freemasons at Clarendon Street.
Works on the interior were completed on 11 March with consulting
suites open to our new tenants from Monday 14 March, including
Precision Haematology, with Professor H. Miles Prince AM; Dr
Annabel Tuckfield; Russ Orthopeadics with Mr Matthias Russ and
MURAC Health with Dr Justin Chee and Dr Ajay Chauhan.
The proposed ten-storey building will span the length of the
block between Albert Street and Grey Street and will house four
additional theatres and procedure rooms, additional private
inpatient rooms, a new day oncology unit adjacent to the
oncology ward, new education and training facilities and multiple
levels of consulting suites.
The plans will also include six levels of underground parking to
provide 309 car parking spaces.
New theatre suite for
Clarendon Street campus
Linked to the Clarendon Street campus, it is proposed the new
building will also provide for an undercover patient drop-off/pickup area along Albert Street.
Epworth Freemasons can finally celebrate the completion of the level
3 theatre suite redevelopment at the 166 Clarendon Street campus
which, at the same time, included a significant amount of site-wide
service improvements to the 87-year-old building.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of our town planning
application in future editions of Epwords.
Epworth Freemasons staff, patients and visitors have persevered
during significant construction works for almost two years with
amazing outcomes that could not have been achieved without the
support of everyone on site.
Construction wraps up at
Epworth Geelong
This project has provided:
• two new theatres
• new level 3 staff areas including kitchen, and male and female change rooms
• a new central sterile services department (CSSD) with increased instrument processing equipment
• a new DOSA area with six full consulting rooms and patient wait areas with city views
• a new plant including levels 4 and 5 plant rooms, future proofing the hospital for further growth and service demands
• a new building management system which is remotely visible for engineering and facilities staff, allowing immediate monitoring and response to any issues that may arise
• five refurbished theatres with increased floor space of 2.3m2, new pendants, lights and air handling units to all theatres on level 3
• complete fire services upgrade including fire hoses
• replacement of medical gas systems and medical gas risers, future proofing for further works
• a complete electrical infrastructure upgrade, with switchboards, distribution boards, mains cabling, a generator and new substation
• thermal plant replacement which includes boilers and chillers.
Much of this work has enabled the installation of advanced
equipment such as the hospital’s new holmium laser (read more
on this on page 10), and has helped provide services to support
the work of the medical staff in ensuring the best possible
patient experience.
18
Construction of Epworth Geelong commenced on 28 April 2014
and, just shy of two years later, Brookfield Multiplex is preparing
to give Epworth the keys to the building, with handover on track
for Friday 15 April 2016.
At its peak, there were more than 600 workers onsite in a day,
with 2780 people inducted over the construction period, 50% of
whom were local to the region. Eleven of the 21 Brookfield staff
appointed to site lived in the Greater Geelong area.
Twelve local companies were awarded contracts to supply the construction phase:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Norris Plant Hire Geelong — civil package
Geelong Fabrications — structural steel
Geelong Fire — fire services
FCAM — Blockwork and speedpanel
Polaris Constructions — carpentry
Matt Dean Plumbing — hydraulic authority connections and diversions
Geelong Commercial Waste — construction waste/
rubbish removal
Geelong Roofing — roofing and wall cladding
Design Stainless Industries — stainless steel works
R&R Group — alucobond cladding
Tenon Joinery — joinery supply to Jacaranda
Westcoast Windows — internal glazed partitions.
On top of this were a number of local subcontractors supplying
construction of the hospital. The quality of the build is truly
outstanding and both staff and patients alike will no doubt be
impressed by the space.
Epworth Geelong will not only be a truly great place to work but
an excellent choice in healthcare for patients in Greater Geelong
and South West Victoria.
Meet … Susan McLean,
Director of Clinical Services
Mental Health
Susan has been with Epworth since January 2015, overseeing the development of
services at Epworth Clinic. Susan has worked in the private mental health sector for
many years and has held senior roles in large private hospital groups.
Please outline some of the main
duties of your role.
My role is very broad and there is no day
that is the same as the day preceding. One
of our biggest focus areas is to ensure
patients of Epworth Clinic have a wonderful
experience during their treatment here.
Suffering from mental health conditions is
a real challenge to our patients and to the
family and friends who support them. We
want to ensure we meet the expectations of
our patients with professionalism, courtesy
and kindness. My task is to help this to
happen consistently through supporting
our staff to give their best and to ensure
that we aim high, working well with the
consultant psychiatrists who bring their
patients to Epworth Clinic.
What are some of your key goals this year?
We have just opened our new aged
psychiatry unit; this is very exciting and it
will be wonderful to see the hard work of
many Epworth staff and our consultant
psychiatrists come to fruition.
What changes/improvements in mental
health care at Epworth have you seen?
Having joined Epworth Clinic only a year
ago, it has been wonderful to see the
service grow and I am really proud of
the way the staff have developed into a
really cohesive team. As a nurse of some
experience (I won’t say how many years!)
I know the quality of the work we are able
to do is determined by the calibre of the
team that chooses to work with us. For me
it is a real privilege to see how our team has
developed and continues to improve.
How will the service continue to evolve,
expand and improve?
During 2016, we hope to continue to
develop and mature as a business unit. We
are keen to ensure our service offerings
grow in number and hopefully to add
other clinical specialties.
What’s the most satisfying part of the job?
I love what I do — I appreciate our people
and the commitment and enthusiasm
Teaching our staff the skills to lead
On Thursday 10 March, 58 participants in the Epworth Emerging
and Operational Leaders Programs graduated with a Swinburne
University Diploma of Management.
We are proud to offer a number of development opportunities
at Epworth, which focus on enhancing the skills of our leaders to
Susan McLean
they bring to work. It very satisfying to
help some of their ideas and suggestions
become a reality. It is a great opportunity
to be part of establishing a brand new
service. It is very pleasing to hear from our
patients that we are meeting their needs
and that they benefit from our efforts.
Any interests outside of work?
My family and friends are a large part of
my life. I also love reading, cooking and
I am an excellent theoretical gardener (I
know a lot about it but don’t actually do
much of it at the moment).
effectively lead and manage their staff to deliver an exceptional
patient experience, as well as preparing them for future career
opportunities.
Some of the comments and feedback from our graduates about
the Emerging and Operational Leadership Programs include:
“Training has brought all emerging leaders together because
Epworth is committed to teaching all leaders the same methods
for us to work within our roles.”
“I am better prepared for challenging conversations.”
“I now ensure the feedback I give is specific, timely, and more
frequent.”
All of the individuals who graduated have worked extremely
hard and should be proud of their achievement.
2016 Epworth Eastern graduates
Applications are currently open for our next groups, with
applications to be submitted online via the Leadership
Development intranet site. For more information, visit the
Leadership Development intranet page.
19
(L to R): Matt Buchlak from First State Super, Jessica
Boutzos, Veronica Mullerow, Robyn Hartley and
Executive Director Clinical Services Sharon Donovan
Nursing graduates celebrate success
On Friday 29 January, participants from the Enrolled Nurse, Registered Nurse and Graduate Midwifery Programs of 2015 came together
at the Park Hyatt to celebrate the completion of their graduate year across Epworth HealthCare. Graduates representing their respective
program provided speeches outlining an overview of their year, the support they received and stories of their experiences.
Especially exciting was the announcement of the divisional
nominees and winners of the Enrolled, Registered and Midwife
Graduate of the Year. From the divisional winners, an overall
Epworth HealthCare winner for each designation was announced.
All winners were selected due to their commitment to ongoing
professional development, their demonstration of Epworth values
and behaviours and their excellence in clinical care.
Graduate EN, RN and Midwife of the Year received a $500 David
Jones voucher.
Prizes were sponsored by First State Super, with each divisional
winner receiving a $200 David Jones voucher, while the overall
2015 Graduate Midwife of the Year: Veronica Mullerow —
Epworth Freemasons
2015 Graduate Enrolled Nurse of the Year: Robyn Hartley —
Epworth Eastern
2015 Graduate Registered Nurse of the Year: Jessica Boutzos —
Epworth Rehabilitation & Mental Health
 MEET GRADUATE
NURSE OF THE YEAR,
JESSICA BOUTZOS
“Every single field of nursing is explored
in the Epworth graduate program, even
if you are doing a rehabilitation and
mental health strain — you have access to
everything else you want to do.
Jessica entered the Epworth Graduate
Program as a rehabilitation and mental
health nurse in 2015, after graduating from
the University of Canberra with a medical
science degree and a Bachelor of Nursing.
“Epworth’s program really allowed me
to gain confidence because I was given
responsibility from the get-go. It was the
perfect balance between support and
trust,” Jess says.
“Last year I rotated between Epworth
Hawthorn, Epworth Camberwell and
Epworth Brighton and within those
divisions I saw a variety of patients,” says
Jess. “I think the most important thing for
nurses is you don’t even know what you
want to do until you try it and that for me
is the biggest thing with rehab and mental
health nursing. It’s easy to look at the role
and think you know what it is, but until
you’ve tried it you have no idea.
“The most terrifying thing for a newly
registered nurse is the big transition from
being the student to being in a position
where they are fully accountable and
responsible,” says Clinical Nurse Educator
Kim Miles.
20
As graduate coordinator within Epworth
Rehabilitation, Kim provided support to
Jessica through coaching, mentoring and
emotional support.
“Jess embodies everything we want
from a nurse. From day one, it was her
engagement and rapport with patients.
It meant the patient would divulge that
extra bit of crucial information because of
the relationship Jess created with them,”
Kim says.
“When I was interviewed for the program,
[Education Manager] Karen Cole and Kim
asked where I saw myself in five years. I
said, all I want is to be a competent nurse. I
don’t want to be the ‘best’ nurse; I just want
to be a competent nurse. I want to look back
and say I was valued as a team member, no
matter what ward I was in and no matter
what capacity I was working.
“The grad program gave me the
confidence, the skills, the friendship
groups, the connections to be able to put
all of the things I learned in nursing into
practice,” Jess says.
“I wanted to be a nurse when I was at high school but
everyone talked me out of it, so I became a hairdresser
instead. I stopped working when my children were young
and was a stay-at-home mum.
“After my children finished school, I went back to study
nursing and I really enjoyed it. I love the patient contact and
that every day is different. You never know how the day will
turn out,” Robyn says.
Robyn completed her first rotation in oncology as part of the
Epworth Graduate Program at Epworth Eastern and is currently
completing her final rotation in orthopaedics. “Robyn’s life experience has helped her
to gain enormous insight into how to
make a patient’s admission to hospital
a very positive experience”
“I love that because Epworth Eastern isn’t too big, you get
to know people from all over the hospital, in all sorts of jobs.
Everyone is so friendly. I’ve found it to be a really supportive
environment.”
Robyn’s graduate coordinator, Suzanne Gilmore, says working
with Robyn during her graduate year has been a pleasure.
“Robyn’s life experience has helped her to gain enormous
insight into how to make a patient’s admission to hospital a
very positive experience.
“Robyn not only upholds all of the Epworth core values, but
demonstrates them in her everyday nursing care,” Suzanne
says.
“One evening Robyn remained for an hour at the conclusion of
her shift [in her own time] sitting with one patient who was
very anxious about being discharged the next day. Robyn sat
with the patient, holding her hand and guiding her through
the process of being discharged, reassuring that services
had been put in place to assist her on her return home. The
patient was happily discharged the next morning without any
problems.”
“I was totally surprised when my name was announced as
Enrolled Nurse of the Year,” says Robyn. “It certainly wasn’t
something I thought would happen or was expecting. I feel like
I’ve won an Academy Award! I feel very appreciative of all the
help and support that I’ve been given over the past 12 months.
It’s really satisfying to feel as if you’re on the right track.
“I hope my experience shows it’s never too late to change
careers and to do something you really love. I hope my husband
and kids are proud because it’s been quite a journey for our
whole family.”
AL NURSE
N
SD
O
I
AT
Robyn Hartley came late to the field of nursing, studying
at Box Hill Institute after her three children were grown.
Originally from Sydney, Robyn moved to Victoria in 1998
with her husband of 30 years, Stuart.
Epworth thanks
our nurses and
midwives for all that
they do for
our patients
IFE • IN
T
E
DW
RN
MI
 MEET ENROLLED NURSE OF
THE YEAR, ROBYN HARTLEY
AL DAY OF
T
HE
ION
AT
MAY • INTER
•
N
AY
 MEET GRADUATE
MIDWIFE OF THE YEAR,
VERONICA MULLEROW
Graduate Midwife of the Year Veronica Mullerow has spent
her life working closely with children and their families.
After nearly 20 years working in early childhood education,
Veronica decided to translate her love of children to a career in
midwifery.
“I have always had a passion to work closely with children and
their families and decided to change paths and pursue a career
in midwifery.
“I studied a Bachelor of Midwifery at Victoria University,
alongside my twin sister, and was very excited to begin my new
career as a graduate midwife at Epworth in 2015. The graduate
year was fun and challenging and I couldn’t have done it without
the fantastic education team, staff and other graduates that
supported me throughout,” Veronica says.
“I was very surprised and excited about winning Graduate of the
Year, especially since my fellow graduates were all so deserving
of the award.”
Maternity Educator Suzzanne Grounds says, “Veronica
consistently delivers a high standard of care to the women and
families that come through our busy maternity unit. Her nurse
unit manager remarked that she could always be relied upon to
keep the in-charge informed regarding the progress of labour.
“More recently on night duty, Veronica’s associate nurse unit
manager reported on Veronica’s ability to prioritise during an
emergency postpartum haemorrhage; providing excellent care
in which she ensured the patient’s safety, whilst keeping the
partner and family reassured and updated,” says Suzzanne.
“I love working at Epworth because the staff are friendly and
supportive and each day allows me to learn new skills,” Veronica
says.
“I have found my experience at Epworth to be positive, fun
and always educational. I love being a midwife because it’s
a rewarding career where I learn as much from families as I
do from my colleagues and feel privileged being part of each
families’ journey into parenthood. I hope to have a long career in
midwifery at Epworth.”
21
Patient spotlight:
Mary Cunningham
Mary has been an Epworth patient since 2013, most recently
admitting to Epworth Brighton for rehabilitation following a right
foot fusion and bone graft in November 2015. Mary continues to
receive care as an outpatient at home, treated by her occupational
therapist, Megan Fordyce. She has been so pleased with the level
of care she received during her time at Epworth she wanted to
share some verbal feedback in appreciation.
“I’ve been to Epworth Brighton three times. I often comment to
people that just as we have books that rate hotels, unfortunately
with my medical history I could write a book rating all the
hospitals! By far, Epworth is outstanding compared to the other
hospitals I’ve been to. I don’t think there’s an area — from nursing
to cleaning to auxiliary staff — that I could fault.
Patient Mary Cunningham
“The first time I came was in 2013. I’d had surgery on my foot and
the surgeon told me I could go to rehab. I was back in 2014 and
then again in 2015. I was a nurse many moons ago and, related
to that physical work, have endured nine spinal operations, five
spinal fusions, and neuropathic pain for years.
leg,” says Megan. “Mary is a very caring person and despite her
own health issues is a strong advocate for the elderly people who
live in her retirement village.”
“It’s hard to put into words the level of care I’ve received at
Epworth but everyone has been outstanding. Megan, my OT, has
gone out of her way to make sure I’ve been safe in my home and
has continually followed up.”
“A special thank you to Gianni and the food services team,” she
says with passion.
Megan says Mary has been a motivated patient and has
participated well in treatment.
“She’s responded well to therapy as an inpatient despite ongoing
pain issues and not being able to weight bear through her right
There’s one area Mary insists receive her highest praise — and
that’s the kitchen.
“Normally when you’re in hospital the food’s not great but at
Epworth Brighton they really endeavor to please everyone. The
meals are just outstanding.
“One Sunday, I was having a glass of wine and eating prawns, and
I said to the food services attendant, ‘where else in Melbourne can
you do this while in hospital?’”
Pancake Day at Epworth
Eastern (left) and Epworth
Richmond (right)
Pancake Day success
Hungry Epworth staff and visitors across Epworth Eastern, Epworth Freemasons and Epworth Richmond enjoyed a pancake treat on
Tuesday 9 February (Shrove Tuesday). Pancake Day was held to raise funds for UnitingCare, supporting people in crisis to get back on
their feet and have the opportunity for a fresh start in life. A big thank you to all staff and volunteers who prepped, cooked and served
pancakes, and thanks to all who partook in the feast. A total of $1408 was raised on the day.
22
Meet … Suzanne Hall, Chief Operations
Manager, Epworth Freemasons
Suzanne joined Epworth Freemasons in February this year. Originally from Liverpool, England, Suzanne has held a number of senior
management roles in Victoria within the private and public healthcare sectors, including posts at Warringal Private, Ramsay Health
Care, The Royal Children’s Hospital, and Box Hill Hospital.
am delighted to be part of the team
at Epworth Freemasons. Operational
management and the challenges of
managing hospital logistics while
providing the best patient experience for
our patients continue to excite me.
Suzanne Hall
What attracted you to working at
Epworth, and this position in particular?
I love working in a dynamic hospital
environment that is committed to
excellence in delivering patient care.
Epworth is the lead standout, notfor-profit provider in Victoria and I
Please briefly outline the main duties in
your role.
My role involves working with our doctors
and clinical and support services teams to
plan and provide high-quality services to
our patients, ensuring we are meeting and
surpassing best practice quality measures
and patient outcomes.
What do you hope to achieve in this role?
I am looking forward to working with
a great team who has the passion and
energy for providing best practice and
contemporary health services in our
growing hospital to our patients, doctors
and community.
What are some of your interests outside
of work?
I love cycling and try and aim for at least
three hours a week in spin classes. I love
cycling very fast with my eyes closed and I
appreciate it is not conducive to cycling on
our roads …
I also love soccer and I am still a
committed Liverpool football fan. Please
do not ask me anything about AFL, as I
really do not have a clue but I am happy
to explain the offside rule in soccer to
anyone who is keen to listen!
I am a board director for a disability service
and I enjoy the strategic governance
responsibility of being involved in an
organisation that provides services to
folk who may be disadvantaged or who
struggle to find their voice.
Matt’s thank you to his therapy team
Epworth patient Matt sustained a severe head injury when he was struck by a car while changing his tyre roadside in early
November, 2015. He attended rehabilitation at Epworth Camberwell and under the care of his dedicated therapy team was
discharged in February with great results. Here, Matt’s therapists Celeste Trussell and Fiona Taylor explain his recovery process.
Matt presented with multiple injuries including a traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident. He spent six days at the Royal
Melbourne Hospital before being transferred to Epworth Camberwell for brain injury rehabilitation to begin an intensive program of
physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies. With the support of his family, friends, doctors and multidisciplinary treatment
team, Matt worked tirelessly over his time at Epworth to regain and improve his function.
Matt says, “When I first came here I was in PTA [post-traumatic amnesia], was very
confused and didn’t know where I was but I have made so much improvement
thanks to this hospital and everyone in here.”
Throughout his time at Epworth Camberwell, Matt received regular therapy with
multiple disciplines. Speech pathology focused on improving his communication,
cognition and swallowing skills. He attended individual sessions as an inpatient
but also had the opportunity to participate in weekly social communication
group therapy sessions run by Epworth speech pathologists. These allowed him
the opportunity to socialise with other patients and work on his own individual
communication goals in a realistic social setting.
Matt has high praise for the Epworth staff that cared for him during his stay. “They
have been so helpful and I can’t thank them enough,” he says.
Due to his success and progress on the acquired brain injury unit, Matt was
discharged home in February. Upon leaving, Matt said he was looking forward to
spending time with his family and friends. Matt will have continued therapy with a
community team on his return home to support his goal of returning to work.
Patient Matt
23
EPWORTH CHARITY CHALLENGES

 HEARTSMART RAJASTHAN
AND VARANASI CYCLE
CHALLENGE
YOURSELF
to the adventure
of a lifetime
The Epworth Medical Foundation has
launched its challenges for 2017. Every
Epworth Medical Foundation Charity
Challenge is an adventure in travel,
friendship, taste, exploration, discovery,
fitness and kindness.
Where do you want to go today?
We invite you to take part in an exciting,
once-in-a-lifetime challenge to raise funds
for patients at Epworth HealthCare.
Discover extraordinary cultural wonders in
off-the-beaten-path destinations. Explore
bustling markets and remote villages, and
savour delicious traditional meals. Forge
new friendships, and push yourself beyond
your everyday limits.
Trek through the Himalayas
24
Dates: 3–14 February 2017
Cost: $6670 (includes $2500 in
fundraising)
Beneficiaries: Cardiac patients at
Epworth HealthCare
From the delights of Jaipur, we adjust to
the pace of the buffalo cart, savouring a
way of life that is still in harmony with
the seasons. The roads are flat, the days
not unduly strenuous and we provide
a backup vehicle for your convenience.
There will be ample opportunity to
witness the spectacular Taj Mahal at
sunrise and explore Fatehpur Sikri before
experiencing the holy city of Varanasi
on the banks of the River Ganges where
the rituals of life and death are carried
out on the steps of the ghats. An expert
local guide will accompany you through
the maze of winding streets to sights
including the Bharat Mata Temple and
the monkey temple of Durga.

HEARTSMART MYANMAR CYCLE
Dates: 10–21 February 2017
Cost: $6690 (includes $2500 in
fundraising)
Beneficiaries: Cardiac patients at
Epworth HealthCare
We explore at handlebar level this
friendly land, where exceptional
hospitality is guaranteed. After flying
to Mandalay, our cycling adventure
starts in earnest in with a ride on the
outskirts before returning by boat
on the Irrawaddy River. Our cycling
continues through timeless villages
Cycle through southern Thailand
where we observe traditional lifestyles
en route to Bagan, home to one of the
finest collection of temples in Southeast
Asia. Exploring at a gentle pace, this
magnificent region uncovers ancient
pagodas and temples of a bygone era
with intricate carvings, murals and
astonishing architecture. At sacred
Mount Popa, the abode of ‘Nats’, known
as ‘Spirits of Ancient Ancestors’, we
leave our bikes and climb the 700 steps
for stunning panoramic views from the
golden temple at its summit.

SOUTHERN THAILAND CYCLE
Dates: 24 February–5 March 2017
Cost: $6590 (includes $2500 in
fundraising)
Beneficiaries: Breast cancer patients at
Epworth HealthCare
For a cultural immersion into the
friendly rural landscapes of Thailand,
cycling is the way to travel. Taking
the quiet roads on scenic routes,
past pineapple plantations, through
national parks with limestone hills and
alongside sublime coastal beaches, the
itinerary offers plenty of opportunity to
stop and chat with friendly locals. From
the capital Bangkok we begin cycling
along canal ways and past temples and
traditional houses. From here we head
south to explore the beautiful coastal
provinces on the Gulf of Thailand and
the Andaman Sea, visiting quaint
fishing villages. We ride through the
stunning mountain scenery, and take a
speedboat to the island of Koh Samui,
where snorkelling in the crystal-clear
water is possible right from the beach.
Experience magnificent Nepal
 DHARAMSALA TRIUND
HIMALAYA TREK
Dates: 24 March–2 April 2017
Cost: $5950 (includes $2500 in
fundraising)
Beneficiaries: Breast cancer
patients at Epworth
Triund Peak is the closest 3000m
peak to the Indian Plains and a
worthy objective for a first-time
trek to the Indian Himalaya. We
combine this trek with time out in
the historic hill station of McLeod
Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama and
Tibetans in exile. With the amazing
peaks of Dhauladhar that stretch to
the Indian Plains, we trek to Triund
which ascends through farming
settlements and magnificent oak,
conifer and rhododendron forests
to an alpine glade that affords easy
access to McLeod Ganj.

NEPAL POON HILL TREK
Dates: 13–26 October 2017
Cost: $6440 (includes $2500 in
fundraising)
Beneficiaries: Cancer patients at
Epworth HealthCare
This trek encompasses all the
highlights you would expect from
a trek in the Annapurna range.
Beginning in the foothills we trek
through delightful villages and
rural landscapes where we take in
the local way of life. Making our
way to Poon Hill we are rewarded
with the stunning panorama
of the Annapurna mountain
range at sunrise. From here we
depart the main trail to complete
a more remote traverse above
the Annapurna Circuit, all the
while accompanied by stunning
mountain views as we make our
way to Nayapul and the end of a very
memorable trek in the Himalayas.
HOW IT WORKS
Each Epworth Charity Challenge is hosted by
Epworth Medical Foundation, and all funds
raised are used to support patients at Epworth
HealthCare, by funding important services, new
equipment and facility upgrades.
There is a minimum fundraising target to
participate in an Epworth Charity Challenge,
which will cover the cost of your adventure and
ensure that funds are raised for our patients.
However, you are always welcome to contribute
more than the minimum, and can rest assured
that all funds will directly help patients.
If you decide to go down the fundraising or
sponsorship paths, Epworth Medical Foundation
will help you with a number of resources and ideas
to make sure that this is easy and stress-free.
To get involved or for more information, simply
visit www.emf.org.au, email emfevents@epworth.
org.au or call our friendly staff on 03 9426 6359.
25
Streamlining the discharge
medication process for patients
In December 2015, a pilot focusing on
streamlining the patient discharge
medication process was conducted to
improve patient satisfaction.
Based on the Press Ganey questions
regarding whether staff explain what new
medications are for and whether staff
describe the medication’s side effects,
a blue patient discharge medication
information sheet was developed. The
information sheet outlines discharge
medication (including trade and generic
names), what the medication is for, how
often to take the medication and common
side effects.
The sheet was developed by Orthopaedic
Surgeon Mr William Edwards in
conjunction with Slade Pharmacy and
given to 40 of William’s patients to trial.
Patients were admitted to wards 2 Cato, 3
Cato, 3NS and 4NC at Epworth Richmond,
and, after verbal consent was gained,
were provided with the new discharge
medication information sheet. The project
team contacted patients 24 hours post
discharge with a follow-up phone call.
Results showed:
• 86% of patients were able to be contacted 24 hours post discharge from hospital
• 89% of patients stated they received enough information on discharge
• 86% of patients that received the blue discharge medication information sheet found it useful
• 91% of patients had no concerns 24 hours post discharge from hospital
•
66% of patients had a pain score less than two out of ten, which indicated the patient understood how to take their analgesia once home.
Patients were delivered the same
information from nursing staff, Slade
Pharmacy and the project team. Patient
calls to William’s rooms decreased by 98%
during the pilot.
Press Ganey results during the trial:
“Staff tell me what my new medication
is for”: 46% always; 17% usually, 23%
sometimes, 14% never
“Staff describe the medication side
effects”: 14% always, 3% usually, 31%
sometimes, 51% never.
The pilot allowed us to give consistent
messaging to patients that they were able
to understand. An evaluation workshop
took place with representation from
nursing staff on the wards, Slade Pharmacy,
the project team and a consumer.
New Dimensions, bariatric
rehabilitation program at
Epworth Camberwell
A new bariatric rehabilitation program, New Dimensions, is
now on offer at Epworth Camberwell.
Launched in early March, this program is designed
for patients following bariatric surgery or procedure,
where the size of the stomach is reduced either through
gastric banding or removal of part of the stomach. The
rehabilitation program focuses on facilitating patients’
recovery and the best possible outcome for the future.
The New Dimensions program is based on the principles
of physical and psychological reconditioning post surgery.
The program assists the patient in re-establishing control
over the choices that they make in relation to the ongoing
management of their obesity. The program encourages
26
Evaluation was overwhelmingly positive.
Some small changes will be made to
the original blue discharge medication
information sheet and staff were keen to
keep the process going. The next step will
be to develop a similar process for a larger
cohort of patients in the orthopaedic group.
Some of the feedback we received from
patients during the trial:
“Nurses did a fantastic job … they have
to deal with lots of people, you guys are
awesome!”
“Staff were great, I did not want to go
home from hospital”
Jacinta Opie, Project Manager Lead —
Performance Improvement
Melanie Gordon, Project Manager —
Quality
patients to build knowledge about their condition,
understand themselves and acquire necessary skills and
confidence to instigate and sustain long-term lifestyle
changes.
New Dimensions is a 12-week outpatient program and
incorporates:
• exercise including strengthening, stretching and a walking program
•hydrotherapy
• psychological and emotional support
• self-management strategies
• nutritional advice and input.
The program is under the care of rehabilitation physician
Dr Fran Wise with Abi Oliver as the program coordinator.
Sessions run once weekly for two hours. New Dimensions is
now accepting referrals. Referrals can be faxed to 03 9982
6696 or scanned to [email protected].
For all enquiries, please contact 1300 46 REHAB.
Targeting mental health in an ageing population
Epworth Clinic’s new aged psychiatry service is dedicated to the care of people aged 65
and over with mental health issues. The aim of the service is to provide patients with
comprehensive and compassionate care in the management of their mental illness,
and to optimise functioning and quality of life.
“Epworth Clinic has launched its inaugural aged psychiatry service, timed with the
opening of the second inpatient unit,” says director of the service Dr Lyn-May Lim.
“This brings excitement and the opportunity to provide a specialised multidisciplinary
service to cater to the mental health needs of older people in our ageing population. “The team of psychiatrists is strongly supported by nursing and allied health staff as
well as having the capacity for geriatric input to holistically address issues of both mind
and body. The unit welcomes referrals for both inpatient and outpatient care.”
The mental health team comprises nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational
therapists and psychiatrists specialising in the mental health conditions of old age.
The team can draw from a range of other disciplines as clinically required, including
neuropsychologists, geriatricians and other specialists.
The newly refurbished aged psychiatry 17-bed inpatient unit comprises single rooms
with private en-suite facilities in a safe and caring environment for acutely unwell
older people. Patients are regularly reviewed by the treating team in conjunction with
discussion at multidisciplinary team meetings. From this, an individualised treatment
plan is developed for each person. Diagnostic tests and other relevant assessments are
conducted at Epworth Camberwell, and treatment options such as electroconvulsive
therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation are available on site should they be
recommended.
Referrals can directly faxed to 03 9805 4233 or emailed to ERC.intakeclinician@
epworth.org.au.
IN THE MEDIA
We make headlines across the media
for advancements in technology,
medical firsts and our ability to change
patients’ lives. See our media coverage
on the staff intranet homepage and the
Epworth website under ‘latest news’.
Geelong Advertiser, 5 March
The Geelong Advertiser proudly shows
the first media photos of Epworth
Geelong — the region’s newest asset
which expects to employ 400 people
when it opens in July.
PH News, 2 March
New trials at Epworth are allowing
doctors to detect tiny cancers left
behind after the removal of the
prostate. The procedure uses a
breakthrough screening technique to
highlight residual prostate cancers no
bigger than two millimetres in size. The
cancers can then be cured with highly
targeted radiation.
Atrial clip offers relief to heart patients
In November 2015, Epworth Eastern’s Dr Andrei Catanchin and Dr Michael Yii
performed an Australian-first procedure using a special titanium clip on an atrial
fibrillation patient.
Patient Barry White, 69, had suffered from tightness of the chest, sweating and
occasional nausea related to his irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation can increase
the risk of blood clots forming that in turn can lead to stroke. During a procedure at
Epworth Eastern, surgeons attached a titanium clip to the upper region of Barry’s heart,
sealing off an area in which blood clots typically form.
Though new to Australia, the procedure has been performed overseas with a success
rate of around 85%.
“What we are trying to do in this operation is remove or eliminate part of the heart,”
says Michael.
“When you scan the patient three months after the operation, you virtually don’t see
the appendage, it just disappears, because the clip removes it all,” he says.
Since the operation, Barry has halved his medication and no longer experiences any
fluttering or fibrillation in his heart. As reported on Channel 9 News.
ABC, 2 February
Starting Monday 8 February and
running till Thursday 11 February
at 5.30pm, Raf Epstein presented
‘Hamish’s Heart’, a four-part radio
series that follows the story of Hamish
Pownall, a young Melbourne man who
underwent heart surgery at Epworth
with surgeon Mr Peter Skillington.
HealthTimes, 15 January
Epworth neurological physiotherapist
Dr Gavin Williams discusses an
Australian-first trial that will study
the impact of ballistic training on
TBI patients. This new training could
improve outcomes by adjusting the
speed of strength training exercises.
27
Mandy makes the
rounds at Epworth
Camberwell
A new service at Epworth Camberwell is bringing smiles to the
faces of patients and staff alike.
As Mandy makes her way through the wards at the hospital,
followed closely by her dedicated carer Fiona Smith, people can’t
help but stop what they are doing and reach down for a pat of
her glossy black coat. And Mandy, a friendly Labrador X golden
retriever, is only too happy to oblige.
Mandy and Fiona — who work with the Delta Society, a not-for-profit
organisation that promotes positive interaction between people
and companion animals — visit patients at Epworth Camberwell as
part of the pet therapy program established in February. They come
by on Wednesdays for one hour, alternating between rehabilitation
patients and mental health patients each week.
Fiona has had Mandy for four-and-a-half years, and decided she’d
make an excellent pet therapy dog, as she’d already been through
training as a guide dog.
“Mandy had completed half her training through Guide Dogs
Australia but was removed from the program due to needing
cruciate ligament surgery. After her surgery and three-month
recovery she was put back into training but then removed for a
second time, this time needing surgery on her other leg. That was
when I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to purchase
her,” explains Fiona.
Mandy’s time in the program prepared her perfectly for therapy,
with much of the manners training required already in place.
Indeed, as Mandy interacts with patients it’s clear to see she
displays the perfect balance of playfulness and calm, knowing
when to reach out and when to sit back.
Patient Noel Carroll, who’s been at Epworth Camberwell for about
three weeks, is excited to catch up with Mandy after meeting her
for the first time two weeks prior. Noel misses his own dog, Lily, a
My Roster:
latest update
The ‘whole of hospital’ implementation
of My Roster is now well underway at
Epworth Eastern and is on schedule
to go live during late May. Staff from
Epworth Eastern have taken on the role
of key users and played a vital part in
the change management and training
aspect of the project by supporting
newly trained staff when using the
new system.
Along with the introduction of finger
28
Fiona and Mandy pay Noel a visit
playful Bichon Frise who’s been his constant companion for years,
so time with Mandy provides some much-appreciated contact
with an animal friend.
Registered nurse Loren Crook accompanies Mandy, Noel and Fiona
out to a small courtyard at Epworth Camberwell where everyone
can enjoy Mandy’s visit in the sunshine. The scent of basil and
tomatoes fills the air, from the small garden patch that Noel tends
to, as part of his therapy at the hospital.
Loren says Noel loves his time with Mandy, as do many the other
patients who have had the chance to meet her.
“We mostly arrange for TAC [Transport Accident Commission] and
acquired brain injury patients to visit with Mandy,” says Loren.
“It’s particularly beneficial for those patients who don’t often get
a lot of visitors.”
Maya Zerman, Program Manager of Mental Health at Epworth
Camberwell, says pet therapy promises a different kind of
treatment for patients outside of their usual programs.
“The opportunity for therapy dogs to visit patients who are away
from their usual surroundings is a great way to reconnect people
back to their home life. For patients who spend long periods away
from their loved ones — both humans and animals — this type of
playful interaction offers an added dimension of care.”
vein scanning on and off shifts, this
implementation impacts the rostering,
labour database and timesheet
processes, providing 24/7, real-time
access to rosters for staff using the new
system.
My Roster will enable employees to:
• record shift preferences and availability
• submit online leave applications for approval
• view and print rosters.
A few of the many benefits of this
initiative are:
• electronic rostering and timesheet system (eliminating the need for manual timesheets)
• enhanced employee self-service
• automation of the labour database data entry.
The My Roster intranet page is now
available for staff to access information
about the project as well as an FAQ sheet
and quick reference guide.
Regular updates will be provided
throughout the course of the project. For
more info, please email the project team
at [email protected].
Patient feedback
I just wanted to send a quick little note to
say thank you for looking after me while
I was staying at Epworth Freemasons
January 15, 2016 I have never been to
hospital before and was absolutely terrified,
although every single person I spoke to
from Lidia in admissions, to Doug who
explained how everything would work, to
the lovely nurses who looked after me in
my room was amazing and made me feel
very comfortable. I very much appreciate it,
thank you so much.
Poppy
To whom it may concern, my name is
Bryanna and I was admitted to Epworth
Eastern to have surgery on December
22, 2015. I just wanted to express how
impressed I was with the nursing staff
that looked after me for my stay at
your hospital. I would personally like to
acknowledge Lou Geri, Helen Roberts,
Natalie Perez-Reigosa, and Deen. These
nurses went above and beyond for the
simplest reasons; from helping go to
the toilet, changing into my PJs, tying
my hair in a ponytail, from making a
not-so-nice situation of taking out drain
tubes a better experience and of course
the most helpful — helping with pain
medication. These ladies were such kind,
caring, cheerful nurses and really made
my stay more enjoyable. When it comes
to good feedback we rarely hear it these
days and people only tend to point out
the negatives, which is a shame because
when we have people like these ladies in
our world who go that one step further by
just a simple check-up and smile, it makes
an experience so much more. So thank
you again to the nurses mentioned but
also to all your staff!
questions. The area is bright and pleasant
and there is no sense of doom and gloom.
The concierge who greeted me last Friday
morning lifted my day — he was pleasant,
helpful and made me feel special — not sure
how long he has been there but he is a great
for the job!
I don’t want to leave, I’ve had some amazing
nurses who made me calm leading up to my
surgery: Holly even holding my hand, Virginia
who was my 1-1 nurse in recovery, and Eliza,
who have all shown me their dedication
to their patients. The staff on level 7 have
been amazing — MJ, Vicky and Margaret.
I appreciate all the care and attention and
support you have all given me. Keep up the
great work. If I ever have to have surgery
again, I will be choosing Epworth Richmond.
Dr Jennifer Mines and the three nurses who
looked after me were amazing to say the
least. Excellent care with a smile. We are
lucky to have such professionals working at
Epworth Richmond. Keep up the great work.
Kind Regards,
Bryanna
The staff at the day oncology unit have
been terrific — from reception, through to
nursing, cleaners and food service. Nurses
in particular are professional, focused on
treatment, friendly and take time to answer
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were very much valued by both my mother
and I and we commend them on their
professional and compassionate support.
Kind regards,
Gail
Thank you for the excellent information
day/morning that you organised for the
patients having hip replacement. I was very
impressed with the content, organisation
and overall helpfulness of all staff and
volunteers. I found the time very helpful
and extremely reassuring.
Many of my questions were answered
and I now feel less apprehensive about
my surgery later this week. Thank you
personally for answering my phone calls
with further queries. Be assured how
appreciated these sessions are for those
of us who are concerned or worried about
details of happenings in relation to our
hospital stay.
Thanks again,
Ruth
To Radiation Oncology on the 4th floor. I
just wanted to both thank your wonderful
staff and to let you know just how brilliant
they are. I have been battling cancer for
six years and have been treated at four
hospitals but believe me no one comes
close to Epworth. Everyone from Meika
at reception, to Monique, Margie, Ros at
the nurses’ station and then Rob, Fiona,
Preeya, Samira in the radiation unit, were
just amazing. Supportive, delightful,
lovely people who make such a personal
crisis so much easier to deal with. These
staff really do make a big difference and
put Epworth Richmond in a league of
its own. Congratulations on hiring total
professionals — you should be very proud
of these people.
Thank you so much,
Keith
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I would like to commend the service
provided to my mother on Tuesday February
2, when she attended for a day procedure
with Dr Tim Wagner. Being unfamiliar with
the layout of the hospital we presented at
the incorrect desk. When expressing concern
that mum may not be able to walk to the
required area, Josephine (from the business
desk I believe?) quickly jumped up, secured a
wheelchair and took us to the appropriate
lifts. Once we arrived at Dr Wagner’s
rooms on the 7th floor, she then phoned
Dr Wagner’s rooms shortly after to check
that we had arrived okay. Such cheerful
assistance and concern was very much
appreciated and demonstrated a genuine
commitment to my mother’ s wellbeing.
Nurse Amanda and administrative clerk
Desley in Dr Wagner’s room were also very
respectful and attentive to my mother and
made her feel comfortable and supported
throughout her visit. These behaviours
My father Gordon went to Epworth for a
check-up and due to health concerns by his
doctor was admitted on February 2, 2016.
My mother, due to her own ill-health, and
the fact she lives in Kilmore, was unable to
get back in to see him and I was overseas
at the time. I actually contacted a friend
of a friend, Ms Tracy Brennan, and asked
her if she could arrange to get my father a
few toiletries, to make his stay a little more
comfortable. He really needed toothpaste/
toothbrush comb, etc to feel a little more
human. Ms Brennan went out of her way
to purchase the articles for him. She refused
to take any money for them as she said
that the patient comfort was paramount.
What I am trying to say is that you should
be congratulated for have such caring
staff to take care of the needs of virtual
strangers. She then kept popping in to see
if he needed anything else! Please let her
know my family and I were so grateful to
her and how the staff helped make a scary
experience for my dad as comfortable as
possible. Thank you again.
I am still currently an inpatient at
the hospital but wanted to praise the
beautiful staff I have had looking after me
on the DMU ward where the day oncology
unit is. They had to open more beds up as
the wards were full. Well didn’t I strike it
lucky! I’ve been admitted five-plus times
to your hospital as a patient of Mr De La
Harpe and nurse Cindy Carlson was the
first to care for me at midnight on Monday
after waiting in emergency for nine hours.
Carrying a constant spinal injury, you can
appreciate the pain I was in regardless of
my current condition after lying on the
trolleys in ED for so long. She kindly got
me hot packs and extra pillows for under
my legs. She again nursed me through the
night last night. She is ever so professional,
kind, patient focused and nothing is too
much of a bother. I have found in the
past on some of the ortho wards the staff
have not managed the patient flow and
as a result forgotten my medication, not
answered buzzers for ten-plus minutes
and been rude and snappy. I’ve so far had
Maree and Elaine during the day as well
as Jolly, who actually have all cared for me
in the past and again have all been ever
so lovely, they even remembered me which
shows such good social awareness. I just
wanted to highlight this as I know nursing
is a hard and thankless job and when you
have good care, it’s important to reward it.
Please let the ladies know they are doing a
tremendous job.
Kind regards,
Lisa
Having recently undergone a knee
replacement by Andrew Shimmin at
The Avenue I subsequently spent a week
in rehab at your Epworth Brighton
venue. My rehab experience was far
beyond expectation and I just wanted
to pass on my appreciation for all the
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Excellence. Everywhere. Every day.
www.epworth.org.au
Patient feedback continued
Dear Mr Kinkade,
I am writing to express my appreciation
for the caring professional assistance
given me by the staff in Cato 3 following
an operation on 19 February. I was in that
ward until being released on 22 February.
Throughout that period it was almost
as though I had my own personal nurse
although I know on reflection there
were dozens involved. They were all
professionals of the highest standard.
My journey began some several months
back when I was diagnosed with severe
osteoarthritis of the left hip by my local
physician. Dr Tsui. This was of course
followed up by confirming x-rays etc. Dr
Tsui recommended that I meet with Mr
Sam Patten who used a technique called
anterior hip replacement which was less
invasive in nature with limited blood loss
and usually an earlier recovery.
wonderful care, encouragement and
highly professional guidance I received
from all areas of your support staff. The
conviviality amongst your entire staff
was infectious and played a large part
in helping me channel the focus off pain,
discomfort and frustration, to be in a more
positive frame of mind. At all times, day
or night, nothing was too much trouble
whenever I needed help. The standard
of professionalism in the physiotherapy
section was quite outstanding with a
mix of encouragement, fun and firmness
(Hilary and Laura). The admin staff (in my
case Neredith and Leanne) in addition to
the formalities of hospital routine, injected
32
some timely humour — again helping
make my stay so much more enjoyable.
Nurse Britanny was a delight; my day in
OT (serving up a French omelette) was a
highlight. I was most impressed with the
homely OT environment, program and
counselling. During a walking session I
stopped and read your Epworth Brighton
Mission Statement .I think you have nailed
it due to excellent rehabilitation programs,
resources, professionalism and a quite
unique staff team spirit.
Thank you and regards,
Tim
When I met with Mr Patten he could see
my issue required early intervention and
some ten days later, on 19 February, I
had a total hip replacement at Epworth
Richmond.
Thank you for leading the team I have
mentioned above. If there is some way
their efforts can be highlighted to others I
would be delighted.
I am very much in debt to all involved.
Yours sincerely,
Errol Hutcheson